by Luke Cawdell

Goalkeeper Stuart Nelson has revealed that rejection in the summer has been his driving force this season.

Nelson, pictured, played 90 games over two seasons for League 1 Notts County, but was told by then manager Keith Curle that his services were no longer required.

It didn’t take long for Martin Allen, who had worked with him previously at Brentford and County, to sign him on a free transfer at Gillingham.

Nelson has now kept 18 clean sheets in League 2 this season – beating his personal record he set during Brentford’s play-off season in 2005.

There has been much promotion talk this season, especially in the last week, but Nelson admits he’s just glad to be still involved professionally.

The 31-year-old, speaking ahead of Saturday’s game, said: “Every time you are let go by a manager - and it has happened to me a few times - it does hurt but you dust yourself off and you go again. It is just someone’s opinion.

“Last season I got let go by Notts County and couldn’t believe it. That is probably the hardest one I have had to take because I played 90 games for them and when the new manager arrived, after Martin (Allen) left, I kept nine clean sheets in 16 games. I don’t think I could have done much more.

“For him to tell me he was letting me go hurt me. I expect it was the same for Charlie Allen (who was also released in the summer) as well.

“For me they have messed up because we came to Gillingham and have proven what we are worth. It has definitely driven me.”